Opinion

Legalizing gambling is bad policy at all levels of government. We have to be realistic and understand that there are many different opinions regarding gambling and the vast majority of people likely approve what they consider “innocent” gambling, such as buying lottery tickets or playing bingo. This, most people would say, is harmless, and is…

AUSTIN — A trio of powerful state senators, along with Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, on March 5 jointly announced the filing of legislation they coauthored to cut taxes and pay off state debt. Patrick, who presides over the 31-member Senate, Senate Finance Chair Jane Nelson, R-Flower Mound; Senate Business & Commerce Chair Kevin Eltife, R-Tyler;…

AUSTIN — The Senate Transportation Committee on Feb. 25 tentatively approved two pieces of legislation that would take a portion of various motor vehicle related taxes and dedicate that money to road and bridge construction and maintenance.  Senate Bill 5, enabling legislation, and Senate Joint Resolution 5, which would put a constitutional amendment on the…

AUSTIN — On Feb. 17, Gov. Greg Abbott delivered his first State of the State address during a joint session of the Texas House and Senate and released his recommendations for the two-year 2016-2017 state budget. In his 43-page Governor’s Budget document, Abbott said he aims to: “Constrain the size and growth of government. Reduce…

For those who don’t know, June Brann is my mother.  My mother LOVED small Cokes.  She ordered them by multiple cases and cartons and always had a large stash in her garage.  Even if she didn’t have food storage for a hurricane or any other emergency, we always knew she would have enough small Cokes…

To the editor: It is very rare indeed that the correctness of a decision by voters can be measured before the incumbent leaves office. We in Hidalgo County are witnessing this kind of substantiation. Our outgoing DA, by his probation agreement with Hidalgo County JP Ochoa, has just provided a magnificent example of what has…

AUSTIN — Gov. Rick Perry on Dec. 3 ordered state agencies to check the employment eligibility of current and prospective employees by using E-Verify, an Internet-based system that allows employers to determine the eligibility of their employees to work in the United States.  Perry also urged Congress to pass legislation “to provide the resources necessary…

AUSTIN — Police responded to reports of gunfire in the capital city’s downtown area around 2 a.m. on Nov. 28.  An estimated 100 shots were fired in about 10 minutes, hitting buildings including the Mexican consulate, police headquarters and the federal court building. No pedestrians, motorists or building occupants were reported injured in the incident. An…

AUSTIN — President Barack Obama on Nov. 20 announced his decision to take executive action on immigration because Congress has not acted on immigration reform to address the presence and inflow of undocumented residents. 
“In order to temporarily stay in the U.S. without fear of deportation, these undocumented parents of U.S. citizens and unlawful permanent…

AUSTIN — On Nov. 10, dozens among Texas’ 31 state senators and 150 state representatives, including a few members-elect who won’t be sworn for nearly two months, jumped right in and filed legislative bills in advance of the 84th regular session of the Texas Legislature, which convenes on Tuesday, Jan. 13.  In all last week,…